At Heartlands Institute of Technology, students are getting their hands dirty while learning a valuable and specialized skill.

Diesel Technology is a two-year program offered at Heartlands that focuses on six Automotive Service Excellence certification areas: diesel, gasoline, brakes, electronic systems, manual drive trains and suspension and steering.

Heartlands is a career center located at Ionia High School that offers 10 programs including culinary arts, dental occupations, automotive technology, health occupations, aviation technology and plant and animal science to students across Ionia County. Heartlands is part of the Ionia County ISD and is funded by a millage that passed in May of 2010.

Diesel Technology Instructor David Armentrout said students have the experience of both sitting at desks and learning, but also are able to be hands-on with vehicles, tractors and semis that need repair.

"It's a work in progress, always," said Armentrout.

He said the owners pay for parts, but labor is supplied by students and himself over many months. The shop is equipped with exhaust vents, hoists, torches and tools to get the job complete.

The students also learn about small engine repair, and Armentrout said he likes to break down the engine, discuss the inner workings with students and have them piece it back together.

He said many rural students sign up for diesel technology due to a farming background or because it is an area in which they are more familiar. Students of various prior experiences participate in the program, but it can be just as beneficial for a student without any experience in the field, he added.

Belding High School student Logan Moody, 17, said he joined the program because it is something he may pursue as a career.

"My dad is a mechanic and I've been around cars a lot," said Moody.

He said he has learned a lot throughout the program and enjoys how there is an abundance of work to be done.

"There's always something to do. If you don't have something to do you (aren't) trying," Moody added.

Armentrout said he became interested in diesel while growing up on a dairy farm in Clare County. After spending time at Mid Michigan Community College, he transferred to Ferris State University and received his bachelor's and master's degrees and also an associate's degree. From there, he was employed as part of the fleet maintenance team at the Clare County Road Commission before spending the past 21 years at Heartlands.

He said he enjoys being with the students in the shop and it is rewarding for him to see the students' success as they learn.

"Most of all, I want it to be fun. I want them to enjoy it," Armentrout added.

Even though the learning can be fun, he said safety is the primary concern. Students spend a couple of weeks learning shop and tool safety and sign waivers stating they have received the proper training.

Page 2 of 2 - In addition, the class allows students to explore the field of diesel technology before taking classes at a community college or university, which can be a big time and money saver, Armentrout said. It can also help the, build interpersonal relationship skills in the job environment.

"I think getting them out of their seats, exposing them to tools and letting them see what it's really like is extremely beneficial," he added.